The Ivory Coast Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko, 56, has died of cancer in a German Hospital. The African leader was receiving treatment at a hospital in Freiburg.
His death on Wednesday came two days after his 56th birthday and some eight months following the passing away of his predecessor. Bakayoko became prime minster in July 2020 after the death of his predecessor Amadou Gou Coulibaly.
Hamed Bakayoko was rumoured to be a possible successor to the current President of the Ivory Coats, Alassane Outtara due to his long media and political career in the Ivorian Nation.
Bakayoko had just been transferred to Germany after coming from Paris a month ago for medical care. Mr Outtara had met Bakayoko in France last week with the president describing his great works for the state.
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“The prime minister served Ivory Coast with dedication and selflessness,” Outtara said in a statement expressing condolences.
“He was a great statesman, a model for our youth, a personality of great generosity and exemplary loyalty,” the president added.
On Monday, Ouattara had named his close confidant and chief of staff, Patrick Achi, as interim prime minister in place of Bakayoko.
Tene Birahima Ouattara, a younger brother of the president, was named interim defence minister.
Source: Afronews.de